Dr Zetsche, who takes over from Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault Group, said: “I am particularly honoured to lead ACEA next year, as 2016 marks the association’s 25th anniversary. This will be an opportunity to build on the progress made by our industry over the past two and a half decades, and to tackle future innovation and challenges.”

“Key priorities in the coming years include decarbonising road transport, improving air quality, and paving the way for connected and autonomous vehicles – which are all an important part of our response to meeting tomorrow's transportation needs.”

The organisation added that it will also continue to contribute constructively to the on-going process to update and strengthen testing requirements for exhaust pollutant as well as CO2 emissions.

ACEA’s president is elected for a year-long term, once renewable, from the CEOs, presidents or chairmen of its member companies.